Bearing It All (Grizzly Affairs: Book 1)

Bearing It All

Grizzly Affairs: Book 1

Magenta Phoenix

IMPRINT: Erotic Romance Paranormal Romance

Bearing It All: Grizzly Affairs Book 1

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2015 by Magenta Phoenix

First E-Book Published April 2015

Cover Design by Melody Simmons

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission from the author.

All characters, places, and events in this book are fictitious or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, actual events, locales, or organizations are strictly coincidental.

Smashwords License Statement

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Contents

Synopsis

Special Thanks

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

Synopsis

As Alpha over all the shifters in the safe haven of Darkwood Springs, Doyle Mackenzie lives a simple and very boring life. Until all that changes when out hunting one night, he comes across a half frozen woman in an isolated cave. Instantly he and his bear recognize the frozen beauty as his mate. She’s the only one that can complete him and his bear. However she seems to run from him at every chance she gets and isn’t the most trusting of creatures. Regardless of the secrets she hides he refuses to give this new delicious prey the opportunity to escape him, regardless of the tricks she keeps throwing his way.

Struggling to discover who she is, Aria finds herself on the run from the people that stole her memories and held her captive in a lab for years. Hoping to evade her searching captors, she seeks shelter in a barren cave. Things get more complicated when she wakes up in warm cabin with a handsome stranger, who claims that she belongs with him. She can’t afford to trust him nor can she trust the feeling that he stirs deep within her. With her captors hot on her trail and nowhere else to run, she must turn to this handsome stranger or risk being back in the mindless labs once more.

When her past catches up with her, Doyle will do whatever he must to prevent his mate from being taken from his side. They both find themselves in a race to stay one step ahead of their pursuers and end the threat to Aria if they are going to have a chance for a future.

Special Thanks

To my mom, who has always encouraged me to follow my dreams no matter how absurd they may seem to others.

To my mentor S.E. Smith, I want to thank you for answering all my thousands of questions and all your help.

To my beta readers; thank you so much for all your input and help, without you this book wouldn’t have been possible.

1

Oblivion was a blessing. The blackness she’d endured over the past three years seemed safer than being conscious. Keeping her breathing even, Aria tried to get a sense of where she was at that moment. The room was devoid of any noise. Shifting her hands, her heart raced as she felt the terrifying familiar restraints circling her wrists. Looking down she breathed a sigh of relief that this time that she remained in her clothes.

She tensed with apprehension as a metallic scraping signaled the door opening. The sound of clicking heels immediately followed as she realized that she was no longer alone. Tightening her hands into tight fists, she tried once more to jerk her hands free, but her bonds held firm.

Open your eyes. The cold voice demanded from beside her.

Squeezing her eyes tightly shut, praying to keep them from opening again, she flinched as she heard an instrument tray being moved closer. If she was to have any say in how she left this horrendous existence, she wouldn’t make it easy on her captor. She tried to jerk her face away as rubber encased hands gripped her chin roughly. The same strong fingers moved to pry her eyes open as a pen light was shined into them. When the cold hands released her, she breathed a sigh of relief as her captor moved away.

She would give anything just to feel sunlight upon her face and breathe in free air for just a moment. Here there was neither sunshine nor free air. Instead was the endless torment she was forced to live through these past three years. She couldn’t even remember a time when she wasn’t imprisoned or anything else for that matter. The only reason she knew her name—if it was even her real name at all, was because of her tormentors. She couldn’t even remember the names of any friends or family that she may have possessed before her captivity. There was nothing before waking up in a place looking as if it were a prison and hospital combined. Day after day she heard cries for help outside her cell, reminding her that she wasn’t alone and that she was just as helpless as everyone else.

The rooms were all locked by electronic card readers, making escaping impossible. Her prison consisted of a small cot on the floor and a toilet. The only clothes she was given was a simple pair of gray cotton pants and shirt accompanied with twin electric bracelets around her wrists. Disobedience was dealt with through the form of painful doses of electricity.

Every morning a recording would play through the overhead speaker in her cell. The unnaturally calm female voice would thank her for volunteering and helping them in the pursuit of healing people. Creating more resistance to pain and injury, increased strength and enhancing mental capabilities. Everyday her present examiner, Dr. Malca was accompanied by two menacing soldiers, forcing her to endure countless tests and injections. After being punished countless times by her bracelets for resisting, she learned it was safer to just give in.

Today would be different. Today she would escape or die trying. She would not die a mindless captive to a sadistic doctor. She refused to give in to the fear that began to choke her and had always held her from fighting back. Slowly opening her eyes, she looked over at Malca. The doctor was a thin woman in her prime. Her face was a calculating and emotionless mask as she peered over the pages of a file. As a doctor she looked the role with her white lab coat and latex covered hands. Her medium length, curly hair was mostly silver and white and always pulled back in a high bun.

Snapping the file closed, Malca turned her cold eyes onto Aria’s. Laying down her pen, she reached into the pocket of her lab coat. Withdrawing a small thin remote, Aria recognized it as the remote to her electric cuffs. Malca wouldn’t hesitate to use it if she was uncooperative.

How are you responding to the injections from last night? Malca’s snooty voice asked as though Aria was an animal to be studied. Have you experienced any dizziness, nausea, pain, or any changes in strength?

No. She answered, refusing to give any answer beyond that one word. Watching as though in slow motion as Malca pressed the button on the thin plastic in her hands, Aria tensed before the electricity even hit her. The pain washed over her as the current shot up her arms and down her spine, causing her to clench her teeth together as her toes curled.

Please be more descriptive.

As the pain faded, she glared up at her tormentor; she would not give her the satisfaction of seeing the tears of pain that were gathering behind her eyes. Dropping the remote back into her pocket, Malca turned and headed to the nearby medicine cabinet. Releasing a tired breath, her hands pulled out a syringe and a thin silver vial that she recognized instantly from her daily injections. While filling the syringe, the meticulous doctor returned to her side.

Fighting this process will not help you, Aria. Testing the syringe, Malca stared down at her with usual unfeeling eyes. Gripping her long golden locks, Malca brutally jerked her face to the side as before jabbing the needle into her neck and pushing the plunger.

She fought to hold it together as the burning liquid was forced into her vein. The truth was; she was experiencing changes. She was weaker then she had ever been. Deep down she knew whatever Malca had been injecting her with was slowly killing her. Every day she suffered from the worst nose bleeds, dizziness and headaches she’d every experience. No more. If she was to die, it wouldn’t be by Malca’s choosing.

Withdrawing the needle, Malca tossed the syringe and empty vial into a trash can before turning back to the examination table. I gave you a stronger dose of the serum that all the tests subjects are receiving. Hopefully your results will yield more satisfying results. You should feel a little dizzy but it should pass once you are taken back to your room. Walking to an intercom Malca whispered something into the speaker before turning back to Aria.

Your escort will be with us in a second, please be patient. Walking back to the table, Malca leaned over and released the restraints around her wrists with confidence that she posed no threat. Easing up, her head swam as a tight pressure began to build in her head as it always did after every injection.

Don’t move yet. Watching Aria's dizzy movements caused Malca moved closer to the bed. This test subject would be no good to her if she broke her neck falling off the exam table.

Here, laying down a pair of cotton pants and shirt next to her, Malca watched her unflinchingly. Put these back on. Feeling like a bug under the microscope of Malca’s watchful eyes, Aria quickly did as she was told.

Glaring up at her opponent, she knew this would be the only chance she’d ever get again. Swinging her legs over the edge of the table, she pretended to sway forward a bit. Dr. Malca gave her the opportunity she’d needed as Malca moved closer to prevent her from falling. Striking as fast as she could, her hands snatched Malca by her blouse collar. Jerking her forward, Aria slammed Malca’s head into her raised knee. As the doctor crumbled to the floor she leapt off the table, scrambling after the doctor before she could hit the shock remote. Gripping Malca’s head she slammed it into the concrete floor with all the force she could muster. The sound of the malicious doctor’s skull connecting with the floor caused her stomach to chinch painfully.

As the doctor’s body went limp, she fell back panting as her heart pounded painfully fast. Knowing she couldn’t waste any time, she began patting down the doctor’s pockets in search for her keycard that she would need to escape. Locating the keycard she clenched it tightly within her hand. Hope was within her reach finally.

Her heart stilled painfully inside her chest as she heard the deep voices of Malca’s soldiers from the other side of the door. Her only route to freedom was through that door and past the soldiers. Rushing to the side of the door, she flattened her body against the wall as the electronic lock chimed and the door swung open just inches from her face. Every second felt like an eternity as she waited for the soldiers to cross the threshold. The bitter taste of fear and terror coated her mouth while her pulse thundered in her ears.

The idle chatter of the two soldiers ended abruptly as their eyes fell on the collapsed doctor. They rushed forward, both never spotting her as she hid near the doorway. Gripping the handle, she rushed out, slamming the door shut behind her. Quickly waving Malca’s security badge over the small scanner by the door, she effectively locked the door behind her.

Angry shouts and pounding echoed behind the door as she took off down the dimly lit hall. She ran as fast as her feet could carry her. Without knowing the way out she stopped as hallway branched out into two different directions. The sounds of yelling and crying voices in echoed from the right, she knew it to be where the cells were and held no escape for her that way. Quickly she rushed down the opposite direction. No light lit the way for her as she rushed down the dark hall but she couldn’t stop.

Get the bitch before she reaches the upper level. An angry male voice echoed down the hall behind her.

Panic seized her mind, causing her heart to race out of control. As her pursuer gained on her she jerked her head around she searched franticly for a hiding place. Without considering where she was headed, she chose a nearby room. Swiping the stolen keycard she pushed the door open before quietly closing it behind her. She crouched down under the window just in time as the soldiers ran by her hiding place causing her to release a shaky breath.

Shoving at her pale tresses that fell across her face, her eyes flowed over her surroundings. It was similar to the one she’d just escaped from. A steel medical table dominated the center of the room with supply cabinets lining the back wall. Reaching up, her hand covered her nose as an awful smell that permeated the room reached her nose. Standing on shaking legs, her eyes widened in horror at what she saw. Shoving a fist into her mouth she halted her gasp of terror at the remains upon the table. 

From the table a pair of empty eyes stared back at her. Against her will, she stepped closer. The ankles and wrists were restrained while a thick leather strap stretched across her upper chest. Taking a closer look at the girl’s face she recognized the rotting corpse as one of the new arrivals.  The girl’s once flowing dark hair was hacked irregular against her scalp. Her horrified eyes fell on the mutilated chest and the dark puddle of blood that pooled below the cold body. Within the girl’s carve open chest, she saw it was empty.

Was this what they did once the test subject's out lived their usefulness? She was living in some type of horror show. Her chest tightened as it became harder to breathe. She refused to die like that. Unable to stay in that room a minute longer she rushed to the door. Cautiously opening the door, she glanced out to see if the hall was clear. Greeted by a silent emptiness, she raced out.

Check this way again. The gruff voice echoed from the opposite direction. Without hesitating Aria sprinted down the hall. Her bare feet slapped against the cement floor as her fleeing form drew closer to the end of the hall.

She nearly tripped as she ran into a flight of stairs leading upward. She clawed her way up as fast as she could with adrenaline rushing through her veins. At the top of the stairs, the doorway opened into a simple household kitchen. She quickly rushed through the eating area and into a connecting living room. Hastening past a simple couch and TV, she came to a stop when she reached a close door. She could only hope that this was her way outside. Spotting a pair of worn boots near the door, she thanked her luck. They were too small but she jammed her feet into them regardless.

Jerking the door open, a strong frigid wind nearly knocked her over as she rushed outside. Running down a few concrete steps, she wasn’t prepared when her feet landed in thick, icy snow. Biting down on her lip against the cold she took off across the snow. There was a dark road that seemed to lead down a hill off the property but she would be easily caught on a small road. Turning to the woods across the road, she felt her strength leaving her quickly. Her legs screamed for her to stop but she couldn’t. As she neared the end of the property she nearly screamed in fear as a livid shout came from the house.

As she rushed over the frozen road, the sound of a gunshot was the only warning she got before an unseen force knocked her to the cold ground. Heat burned into her ribs as she saw the colorless material of her shirt begin to rapidly darkening with her blood. Looking back at the house she saw as both of Malca’s soldiers rushed toward her.

Pressing a trembling hand to her side, she swiftly climbed to her feet. Rushing forward she disappeared into the darkness of the forest without a backward glance. Shear desperation forced her to keep running, even as the familiar pressure in her head reached its climax. As her head began to ache painfully, dark blood dripped from her nose, painting a trail down her face.

The drops fell and painted the snow with red as she rushed over the snow covered terrain. Gripping a tree for balance, she pulled her hand away from her ribs to inspect her wound. Her fingers came away heavily coated with blood, a dark crimson color in the darkness. Pushing forward she could only hope that her hunters were as unfamiliar with this land as she. Without another hesitating thought, she picked up her speed as she limped through the harsh element.

2

Icy pain licked at her skin as her boots sunk into the icy snow with urgent steps. Puffs of mist hovered in front of her face as her breaths came out in pants. Gripping at the strong bark of a nearby tree, her fearful gaze darted around the dark forest.

Can’t stop... She kept reminding herself as she pushed her burning legs to keep running. The deep snow and strong wind were not her best allies in her endeavor. The endless night would help conceal her presence, but not for long. She was being hunted.

Can’t stop... She repeated, looking around fearful.

The winter wind slapped at her sweat slicked skin, causing her body to rack with shivers. She wouldn’t go back. She’d rather die first—but not until she couldn’t run anymore. Folding her arms around her shaking body, she bit her lip against the pain of her frozen skin and the burning along her ribs.

She could do this, she had to do this. Taking a deep breath, her feet began pushing through the snowy terrain once more. When her feet would sink down into the heavy snow with every step she took, it took every effort to lift it and began anew. The snow burned against her bare legs with every step. She would never survive in only the thin clothes she wore. Her only hope was to continue on until she found help. Determined to stay ahead of her captors she kept moving even as the pain in her skull intensified.

The wind began to pick up as more snow began whipping at her freezing face. Her golden hair whipped dangerously around her face, striking at her tender skin. Her numb fingers clawed at the ground as she pulled herself up the incline ahead of her. Just as she neared the top her feet gave away as her boots slid against a patch of ice. Crashing against the harsh ground, she felt her frozen form begun to slide downward. Her hand shot out, quickly gripping an ice encrusted root and using it she pulled herself up to level ground.

The sound of crunching snow and rough voices echoed a short distance below the incline. Glancing down she wasn’t surprised to see Malca’s soldiers hot on her tail. It didn’t matter. This time she wouldn’t be taken alive if she could prevent it. Tonight would be when she would taste the freedom she longed for.

Come on out, little girl! The tallest shouted his face lifting in a creepy smile as his eyes lift to her crouching form above.

Not staying to watch his and his pal’s pursuit of her, she dashed down the icy slope. Her tired, frozen feet stumbled and slid against the uneven ground; bring her crashing against the sharp ice and snow. Rushing to her feet, she spun in a rushed circle. Her eyes searched franticly for a direction to run in. In every direction was endless dark forest. She could end up running in circles for all she knew and then they’d catch her for sure. She refused to slink back to her cell like an obedient dog. But she couldn’t run any more at this point either.

Time was running out and there was nowhere for her to run with any hope of out distancing her hunters. Looking up at the towering trees above her, a plan formed in her mind. Rushing to the closest one she gripped a lower branch and began pulling herself up. Higher and higher she climbed until she was half way up and concealed by the snow covered branches.

Look around, she couldn’t have gotten far.

Brushing her long, pale hair away from her face, she waited, holding her breath as the grunting sounds of the two burly men drew near. Their footsteps paused below her before moving forward to search her out. They circled around her position in a wide circle and much to her delight, never once did they look up.

A moment later the shorter man paused beside her tree to sling his rifle over his shoulder as he reached for his flashlight. The click of the flash light made her heart jump, making her silently pray that they wouldn’t see her boot prints at the base of the tree. Luckily for her, he walked right though her boot prints without spying them.

There are no tracks over here. The bitch must have gone this way. He mumbled to his companion, pointing with his flashlight beyond his position. Her heart to seize with fear as the second man came to join the other, his head tilted toward the direction his partner pointed.  The taller one shined his flashlight in same direction without saying a word. Above them she gripped the rough trunk as she struggled to hold her shivering body still. Silently she willed them to move on, but neither of them made a move.

Let’s split up. The taller one decreed. You go this way and I’ll double back and make sure she didn’t slip past us. He said, indicating with his flashlight. The second man nodded in agreement before they both followed their decided paths.

The moment both of them were gone, she felt the adrenaline rush from her head, making her dizzy. She’d lost them, for now. She waited for a few more moments before she began climbing back down. The second her feet touched solid ground she moved straight ahead, the one direction neither one had taken.

She didn’t know how much time had passed since she’d been moving in the same direction. It felt like hours and the cold was only making moving harder. Every step she took was slow and cautious as she feared her path would cross with her pursuers again. She was forced to stop as she came to the edge of a wide flowing brook. Looking around she saw there was no way around the—no doubt-- icy stream. Cursing her luck she stepped down into the gentle flowing current. The icy water soaked the legs of her pants and leaked into her boots. Reluctantly she moved across, cringing at the cold temperature of the water.

Reaching the other side she climbed out of the brook and onto more snowy ground. Her legs and feet felt like a block of ice was tethered to each one. Fighting to ignore the feeling she prayed that she’d put enough distance between herself and the two men. Wrapping her arms around herself she took in her surroundings. Still there was nothing but endless trees and snow with no sign of a road or house anywhere. A wave of hopelessness hit her despite her will to ignore it. She needed to find some type of shelter and get warm or she wouldn’t last in this element for long. Slowly walking along, she was just about to debate whether she should seek shelter high up in a tree again when her eyes noticed something. To her left, a short distance away was a cave that nature had carved out of the side of a rocky formation near the gentle brook. Moving closer she inspected the inside to be sure it was empty, a grateful smile graced her lips as she found it was.

The interior of the cave was covered in dry leaves and cold earth. The smell of soggy wood and dirt filled her senses. Bending down slightly she slowly entered the dark space. Inside the cave had to be no bigger than the length of her cell, but it would do for shelter this night. Except for the sound of flowing water nearby the woods around her was quiet. She could only hope the dark shelter would hide her presence from her pursuers for a few hours while she rested.

Lowering herself down to the ground, she quickly pulled her wet boots off. Turning them upside down she wasn’t surprised when a bit of water poured out of them. Not ready to put her feet back in them just yet she lowered herself onto her side as she faced to mouth of the cave. Her wound along her ribs burned with her movement causing her to wince.

Choosing to ignore the pain in her side, she drew her knees to her chest as she struggled to stay awake. She’d been running for so long, what harm was there in resting for a minute? As the thought drifted through her mind, her eyes drifted shut against her will. She could only hope that she’d survive to see the morning.

* ~ * ~ *

You’re mine…

Doyle grinned as his eyes followed the female he’d been tracking for the last half an hour. The predator had his prey. Slowly edging out from the cover of the trees, he moved closer. His heavy feet were silent against the sinking snow under his weight. If he moved too soon, she’d become aware of his presence and run away. But tonight was his night and tonight he would feast. 

Her feet froze in mid step, casting a look around the surrounding trees. She knew he was watching, yet she stayed. Waiting…waiting to see what he would do this night. Would he spare her like he'd done the last time their paths crossed? Or would he finally catch her? He enjoyed the uncontainable power that he felt when in his grizzly form. His immense form made him the perfect hunter.